Hail and thunder may accompany some of the showers which will become wintry overnight "with snow possibly on hills" and temperatures dropping below freezing for a frosty, icy night.

While average temperatures over the next few days will be between a chilly 4-7 degrees, freezing temperatures as low as -3 with widespread frost have been forecast.

Those looking to do anything outdoorsy this weekend should opt to do so on Saturday as conditions are expected to improve slightly.

"Saturday will be mainly dry with sunny spells as heavy wintry showers become isolated and confined to the more western and northern areas. However, outbreaks of rain developing in the evening will affect the east and the south coast - so conditions will be wet enough on Saturday and into Sunday morning," Mr Mooney said.

Moving towards Sunday night, there will be scattered showers with good clear spells and some showers will turn wintry on higher ground again with temperatures falling as low as -3 degrees. Some mist or fog is expected to form as northwest to westerly winds ease off.

The AA has already warned the arrival of wintry weather will lead to increased breakdowns - adding further to the misery of drivers.